Bear River downs Sutter for D5 section championship

For the past five years, the Bear River High School girls volleyball team has endured heartbreak in the postseason. The Bruins fell in the Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals in 2021, 2022 and 2024, and dropped a five-set thriller in the 2023 championship. But on Saturday afternoon, the top-seeded Bruins broke through, defeating No. 3 Sutter 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-18, 25-16) at Cosumnes River College to capture the Division V championship. The win marked Bear River's first section title since 2012 , capping a long-awaited moment of redemption for a program and senior class that has fought relentlessly to reach the summit again. "It was just a great feeling," said Bear River's Eden Cha, a four-year varsity starter. "We got here to this game my sophomore year and we just never stopped working. This year was different because we all wanted it and we were all a family. We can get hard on each other, but in no way does it affect us personally because we all know that in the end, this is the goal that we wanted." Bear River coach Matt MacDonald said he could feel the tears welling as he watched his team storm the court as section champions for the first time in 13 years. "I was just standing there in awe for a moment watching them celebrate," said MacDonald. "It was the greatest moment that any coach can have when you see your team run on the court. I just had goosebumps and tears in my eyes because of that. It was a phenomenal feeling." The winning kill came from junior Adi Hoffman, who took advantage of a weak spot in Sutter's defense to deliver the final blow. Hoffman said she didn't feel any nerves as she saw the ball coming her way and knew she had a chance to go down in school history by clinching the title. "I was more excited because I knew that I had the opportunity to win and to end it," said Hoffman. "We all have a really special bond with everyone on this team. It really shows and we really work together." MacDonald said the Bruins (36-6) have had to overcome plenty of obstacles this season and noted the title is a testament to their work ethic and resilience as a program. "I'm just so proud of them. The biggest thing is we wanted to do this for our school," said MacDonald. "Our mantra all year was win in the dark. In order to shine under the bright lights, we had to do our work in the shadows. These kids have worked incredibly hard. Out of my 19 years coaching, I can't think of a group that has been so committed to just the details of the game." Cha said the Bruins were locked in all week to ensure they didn't suffer another heartbreaking defeat in the postseason. She said even when the Huskies stole the second set, she knew as long as Bear River handled its business it would triumph. While the Bruins was eager to enjoy their section title, they are also have hopes of raising another banner at the season's end. Said Cha, "Our new goal is to go win state."